Stuart Weitzman on Picking Wedding Shoes

The famous shoemaker talks trends and gives his take on why women love dressing up their feet

ByCari Wolfert|

Photos byCourtesy of Stuart Weitzman

What are some new trends in shoes that you think can work in bridal?

Lucite and vinyl are two trends that translate into the bridal collection nicely. What I favor from my fall bridal and evening collections are silhouettes with extreme platforms, unique bow detailing like ruffles and berry-colored jacquard silk materials.

What is your favorite shoe that you have designed?

I have a very soft spot for my favorite shoe, because it led to my first award for design. It was a beautifully detailed, elegant guipure lace pump that I created specifically for a bride. It appealed to the bride in such a way that it became an instant classic and also set the standard for many creations by other shoe designers.

What role do you think a bride's wedding shoe plays in her look?

Throughout the entire bridal collection there is a common signature of playfulness and glamour, shoes that make you smile when you put them on. No one pleases me more in her appreciation of my designs than a bride. It is my hope and goal that she loves her shoes as much as her dress and nearly as much as her groom.

What is your idea of the perfect wedding-day shoe?

A shoe is perfect when it does for the woman exactly what she expects it would do. If a woman feels beautiful when she wears a pair of shoes, then they are perfect!

What should a bride do to prepare in case of a wedding-day shoe disaster?

I am one of the few designers who is also a pattern-maker. I personally see my products through the entire manufacturing process so if a product is well-made then you shouldn't run into any "disasters" on your special day, but it would be handy to have a second pair on hand in case life decides to surprise you!

Why do you think so many women love shoes?

I have been asked this question so often and the answer is so obvious: what is the first wonderful story that most little girls read about? Yes, something as simple and accessible as a beautiful shoe makes a woman feel like a princess. And who wouldn't want to be Cinderella for a night, especially her wedding day?